The rapper’s past indiscretions have been the subject of much public scrutiny. Several women, in and out of entertainment, have allegedly gotten in between his marriage to the “Single Ladies” singer.
Jay-Z being unfaithful to Beyoncé has been a major part of their story. Over the years, there have been many rumors and accusations, and four women in particular were mentioned by name. Let’s find out who they are and the tough journey this power couple has taken together.
Beyonce and Jay-Z during the Global Citizen Festival: Mandela 100 at FNB Stadium on December 2, 2018, in Johannesburg, South Africa | Source: Getty Images
His Relationship with Beyoncé
Beyoncé and Jay-Z started dating back in 2002. They’ve always been private people and were good at keeping their relationship out of the spotlight, even though they’re incredibly famous.
They were together for six years before marrying on April 4th, 2008. Their wedding ceremony at the rapper’s Tribeca penthouse was kept private. Only close friends and family were in attendance, and a guest described the event as deeply moving and spiritual
Jay-Z and Beyonce during Milan Fashion Week on January 13, 2008, in Milan, Italy | Source: Getty Images
Despite this, Jay-Z didn’t want to tell anyone they had tied the knot. Three days after the wedding, he brushed off someone’s congratulations with a laugh, pretending he didn’t know what the person was talking about.
However, Beyoncé wore a huge diamond ring to Jay-Z’s show in Atlanta a few days after their secret wedding, which became one of the first public confirmations of their marriage. Eventually, the cat was out of the bag, and the couple’s deep connection was made evident through their music.
Beyonce’s ring during the “Cadillac Records” Los Angeles premiere at the Egyptian Theater on November 24, 2008, in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
Unfortunately, as their fame and careers grew, controversies and scandals about their relationship emerged. Rumors about Jay-Z’s alleged infidelities and his lifestyle, which included frequent partying, put a serious strain on their marriage.
Jay-Z during the So So Def anniversary party hosted by Jay Z at Compound on February 23, 2013, in Atlanta, Georgia | Source: Getty Images
First Rumored Mistress: Claudia Scheelen
In November 2013, the affair allegations named someone specifically. The Mirror reported that the rapper had been seen partying with the model, now retail manager, Claudia Scheelen in Antwerp. The pair was spotted together at Magic nightclub, where he reportedly bought a massive bottle of Ace of Spades champagne worth £5,000.
The outlet also added that Jay-Z told Scheelen that the women in Antwerp were the most beautiful he’d seen anywhere in the world. However, Scheelen later denied any romantic involvement with the rapper.
On social media, she wrote, “I was shocked when I saw my name mentioned in an article about Jay Z! The tabloids have used me as a topic for something that didn’t happen!” Despite this denial, the stories of trouble in paradise between this power couple would only worsen the following year.
His Infamous Elevator Video
In May 2014, the public was shocked when a video surfaced showing Solange, Beyoncé’s sister, attacking Jay-Z in an elevator following the Met Gala. The footage, leaked by TMZ, showed Solange angrily kicking and swinging at the rapper while Beyoncé stood by.
Solange, Beyonce and Jay Z during the 2006 MTV Video Music Awards – Audience at Radio City Music Hall in New York City | Source: Getty Images
The incident quickly went viral, and in a joint statement, the trio explained that the incident was a private family matter. “Families have problems and we’re no different,” they said.
Jay-Z and Solange both acknowledged their roles in the altercation and apologized to each other. Additionally, the trio made it clear that they had moved on and were united. In fact, the rapper and Beyoncé even went on their “On the Run” tour together two months later. However, it was around this time, that another alleged affair happened.
Alan Ferguson, Solange Knowles, Jay Z, and Blue Ivy Carter during the 59th Annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Center on February 12, 2017, in Los Angeles, California | Source: Getty Images
Second Rumored Mistress: Casey Cohen
In June 2014, the rapper was reportedly linked to reality TV star Casey Cohen by tabloids. However, Cohen, who appeared on “Princesses: Long Island,” quickly denied the allegations. She even hired a lawyer who sent a cease-and-desist letter demanding a public apology and retraction of the articles.
Cohen admitted to having met Jay-Z and Beyoncé several times but insisted that their interactions were purely professional. These encounters were related to her work as a VIP hostess in New York City. Unfortunately, one person’s word wasn’t enough to stop rumors.
His Marriage Is Reportedly Over
Only a month later, more speculation suggested that Jay-Z and Beyoncé’s marriage was ending. A source close to the couple claimed that they were considering separating, although they had not yet decided to divorce.
Divorce for them would’ve been trickier at the time as they received money from promoters for their “On the Run” tour upfront.
Beyonce Knowles, Jay-Z, and Blue Ivy Carter in New York City on December 7, 2014 | Source: Getty Images
The same source also stated that the couple was seen without their wedding rings, despite thinking that their relationship would be fixed after having a child. However, there was no official separation. Instead, they battled their feelings through music.
